Tilbury Times Reporter
St. Clair College’s Fashion Design Technician program is inviting high school students across the region to take part in “SEWING the SEEDS of CHANGE,” a sustainable fashion competition that puts creativity and environmental responsibility at the forefront.
With Canadians purchasing 60 per cent more clothing than they did two decades ago, and 85 per cent of textiles ending up in landfills, the competition aims to inspire young designers to embrace circular fashion practices. By encouraging upcycling—transforming old or discarded garments into new, wearable creations—the program hopes to spark innovative approaches to reducing waste and extending the life of clothing.
Current high school students are invited to design, sew, and construct one original outfit using upcycled garments, fabrics, or materials. Entrants can source materials from thrift shops, closets, donations, dead stock, or even nature. Each outfit must be runway-ready and wearable on a model. Submissions are due by March 2, 2026, and applications can be made at www.stclaircollege.ca/atelier.
A judging panel comprised of St. Clair College Fashion Design faculty will select the top three designs. Winners will see their creations featured on the runway at the St. Clair College Atelier Fashion Show on April 18, 2026. The first-place winner will receive two VIP tickets with reserved front-row seating, while the second- and third-place winners will each receive two complimentary general tickets.
The competition also serves as a gateway for students interested in pursuing fashion studies. Applications are now open for the Fashion Design Technician program for Fall 2026, with details available at St. Clair College Fashion Design Technician.
For more information about the competition, contact Elaine Chatwood, Professor in the Fashion Design program at St. Clair College, at 519-972-2727 x 4020 or echatwood@stclaircollege.ca.
